VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (letter).

Making oneself whole

October 17, 2005|By M. Michael Dorr.

Kildeer — Disasters happen. The victims of Sept. 11, 2001, were just that, mostly victims and, a few, both victims and heroes. All of their families were compensated for the loss of income, the wealthy in greater amount than the less wealthy. There was a feeling that somehow our government--you and I--was responsible for their deaths and thus must pay reparations.

Families of people who died in auto accidents or other accidents are not paid reparations by the government for their losses.

Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast. There is talk about massive governmental rebuilding.

Accidental fires destroy homes, apartments, businesses and factories, but the government does not pay for their rebuilding.

Are we the people and the government to be held responsible for making whole every person who suffers loss? If so let's create an inclusive reparations list beginning with families of murder victims.

Misfortune may require temporary community aid and charity, but each individual is responsible for making himself or herself whole.